How would you deal with it if your hearing aid stopped working at the worst possible time. Like when you’re in a crucial meeting.
No one wants that to happen! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your overall health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning at maximum condition.
The following are 7 tips to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them performing at peak condition.
1. Understand The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be accomplished when you make use of the manual that was included with your hearing aids. Many technical problems you might be having can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
Any problems involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. This is important even if you’ve worn hearing aids before because your new devices may not function in the same manner. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s always some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can cause an infection.
Ear infections can cause further hearing issues. Most are temporary, but some can cause irreversible damage.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being mindful not to get it too wet.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t put them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will accumulate dust which contains bacteria if they are left sitting on an exposed surface.
Keep your devices in a cool, dry place according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, make sure you take them out. Leave your hearing aids out of the bathroom when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, take an umbrella.
Your battery may drain faster because it needs to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always bring your charger with you.
Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other intense heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you attend an important event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged period of time, always take out the battery. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s sensitive electronics.
The life of your battery can be significantly extended by adhering to these suggestions but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually start to sound distorted as this earwax builds up. Schedule an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal procedure is simple with the correct tools. It should only be performed by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. Talk to a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. There are solutions. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.